2010 - Art a la Carte

May 13, 2010

Green Hill Center for NC Art joined Blackberry Farm and Eric Solomon Selections to celebrate 35 years of collecting with Art á la Carte, a gala blending culinary and visual art.

Art á la Carte is a biennial fundraising event and the money raised makes possible the myriad programs at Green Hill Center for NC Art. Green Hill’s programs provide access to opportunities in the arts for community members at every level of experience, age and interest.

While guests enjoyed the efforts of the culinary artisans of Blackberry Farm and Eric Solomon Selections, they were surrounded by Private Collections, an exhibit of work acquired over the past 35 years from Green Hill Center for NC Art. Private Collections honored the North Carolina artists that have exhibited at Green Hill Center as well as the Greensboro collectors who have supported both the artists and Green Hill Center. In conjunction with Private Collections, Green Hill Center presented Richard Ritter | 40 Years of Glass. This intimate event was held in the gorgeous Green Hill Center gallery and guests were treated to a 7-course meal prepared under the direction of Sam Beall, celebrated owner of the acclaimed Blackberry Farm located in the foothills of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains.

Each course was paired with wines hand-selected by Eric Solomon of European Cellars in Charlotte. To say that Solomon is a big figure in the world of wine would be to understate his influence. The latest accolade in a long list is recognition as a semi-finalist for the James Beard Awards 2010 Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year. In addition to the wine pairings, one course was expertly paired with a hard cider from Foggy Ridge Cider. Master Cidermaker, Diane Flynt crafts award-winning ciders from heirloom apples grown in her Virginia orchards.

Art á la Carte attendees were also able to bid on 16 items, including glass works by Jon Kun and Richard Ritter, a 5-day stay at the spectacular hand-crafted Mexican vacation home of acclaimed North Carolina artist Randy Shull, and other vacation and dining experiences across the state.